Nutrient Utilisation and Carcass Characteristics of Crossbred Finisher Pigs Fed Tamarind Seed Waste in Replacement of Maize as Energy Source

Effect of replacement of maize (D,) with tamarind seed waste at 50 (D₃) or 75 per cent (D₃) levels had no significant effect on nutrient digestibility except that of EE, N balance and performance of crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x local non-descript) finisher pigs. Dressing percentage was higher (P < 0.05) for the pigs fed D₁ than those fed D₂. The heart weight of pigs fed D₃ was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed D_a. The cost of feed/kg gain was Rs. 12.05, 9.50 or 9.60 for diets D₁ to D₃ respectively. Results indicated that replacement of maize upto 75 per cent level with tamarind seed waste in the diets was economical and had no adverse effect on overall nutrient utilization in crossbred finisher pigs.